To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Santa Monica event, June 25-26, 2016.

Chassis No.
F58F143939

Estimate:
$120,000 - $150,000 US

Most reading this know of the success and respect still enjoyed by the iconic 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air; especially in its convertible form and all for the better if it has the 283-cid fuel-injected V-8 engine. For model year 1958, Chevrolet rolled out a car that looked nothing like its '57 predecessor—it looked more Cadillac than Chevrolet. It was longer, lower, wider and decked with chrome. Chevrolet again offered two fuel-injected versions of the 283, both listing for $450, and both were identical to the fuel-injected engines in the 1958 Corvette barring the air cleaner and valve covers. The horsepower ratings were 250 and now 290 for the solid-lifter version, even though it was identical to the 283-hp version sold a year earlier.

To meet the needs of its expanding truck line and future cars, Chevrolet's engineers created an all-new engine for '58 that displaced 348-cid. Initially in two horsepower ratings: 250 with a single four-barrel carburetor, 280 with Tri-power and (later in the year) a 315-hp high-performance Tri-power version.

The buyer's predicament became obvious: Why spend $450 for a 290-hp fuel-injected 283 when you could have the 315-hp tri-power 348 for only $162? Offering two V-8s could have been a selling point against Ford, but the internal complexity it created for Chevrolet and the extra consumer cost surely limited the orders of fuel-injected engines in full-size Chevrolets. The rare nature of this 1958 Impala Fuel-Injected Convertible is much to the benefit of those interested in adding such a car to their stable. Chevrolet announced “from roof to road it brings you new glamour, new performance, a wonderful new floating way of going.” Despite a weak American economy, Chevrolet’s sales remained strong, and the new high-line Impala series accounted for more than 15-percent of sales. Chevrolet continued to dominate the low price field, with more than 1.1 million cars sold.

The Impala, a trim line of the Bel Air series for 1958, was at the very top of the Chevrolet range and was offered only in sport coupe and convertible versions. Trim features included Impala script, insignia and crossed flag emblems at the front of the cove, broad ribbed body sill panels, large mock chrome-plated scoops ahead of the rear wheel wells, nearly full-length body side moldings, simulated exhaust ports in the lower rear quarters, two-spoke deep hub steering wheels with Impala medallions. Fuel Injection badging with additional crossed flags are displayed on the front fenders.

Splendidly finished in black (Onyx Black was the factory name) over straight body panels, this Bel Air series Impala convertible features a vibrant tri-tone interior in black, silver and turquoise. Restored to a fine level of quality; approximately 2,600 miles have been travelled aboard this Impala since its completion, preserving its exceptional condition. A black boot covers the well for the power-operated soft-top when retracted. Most importantly, it is equipped with the uncommon fuel-injected 283-cid, 250-hp V-8 mated to two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.

Additional features include an AM Wonder Bar radio with rear speaker, dual antennas, dual sideview mirrors, whitewall tires, Chevrolet spinner-type wheel covers; power windows, seat and steering. The new-for-1958 “gull-wing fender styling” lent an air of elevated refinement with luxurious comfort of width and a daring low height that made it one of the most attractive rear views on the road. The “fuelie” V-8 has dual exhaust and offers effortless acceleration that will make this big convertible an ideal car for delightful touring.
1958 Chevrolet Impala Fuel-Injected Convertible